Overview
Sandy Hook is a narrow land spit on the Atlantic coast of New Jersey. It is owned by the Federal Government and most is managed by the National Park Service as one of three units comprising Gateway National Recreation Area.
3 sights · 1 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Sandy Hook
Gunnison Beach
One of the largest nude beaches in America. Gunnison Beach in New Jersey is the easiest beach to get to by public transport from Manhattan. The ferry ride takes about an hour.
Twin Lights Historic Site
The twin lights were built in 1828 as the primary seacoast light for NY harbor. Today, the towers have been transformed into a museum for the public to view. You can tour the towers, climb the North tower for a view of t…
Sandy Hook Lighthouse
Located about 1½ statute miles (2.4 km) inland from the tip of Sandy Hook, New Jersey, is the oldest working lighthouse in the United States.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 25°F. Wettest: Aug and Dec. (climate data from nearby Long Branch)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- JFK John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York — 17 mi away (major hub). Directions
- EWR Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark — 19 mi away (major hub). Directions
Sandy Hook is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. Fees for motor vehicles are charged during the summer season. Season passes can be purchased, and discounts are offered for seniors.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Gunnison Beach, Sandy Hook Lighthouse
- Lunch Bahr’s Landing
- Afternoon Twin Lights Historic Site
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Geologically, Sandy Hook is a large sand spit or barrier spit, the extension of a barrier peninsula along the coast of New Jersey, separated from the mainland by the estuary of the Shrewsbury River. On its western side, the peninsula encloses Sandy Hook Bay, a triangular arm of Raritan Bay. The 1665 peninsula was discovered by Henry Hudson, and, historically, Sandy Hook has been a convenient anchorage for ships before proceeding into Upper New York Harbor.
Get in
Sandy Hook is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. Fees for motor vehicles are charged during the summer season. Season passes can be purchased, and discounts are offered for seniors.
By car
Take Garden State Parkway to Exit 117 then follow Route 36 east for 12 miles (19 km).
By plane
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Newark, New Jersey
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA), in Queens, New York
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Queens, New York
By ferry
- Seastreak, +1-800-BOATRIDE. This is a very large and luxurious catamaran commuter ferry. Leaves from Pier 11 & East 34th Street in Manhattan directly to Sandy Hook, a 30-minute trip. Tickets are sold as you get on the ferry. $45 includes ferry and bus fares. On the ferry, there should be someone handing out maps of Sandy Hook. When you get there, after the 1-hour ride, you can walk to the beach or take a shuttle bus (yellow school bus). There are 3 main beaches, but the only nude beach is Gunnison. To walk to the beach, follow the other people heading out past the lighthouse. It takes about 15 minutes whether you walk or catch the shuttle.
Get around
- The easiest way to get around Sandy Hook and surrounding areas is by car. There are not many public transportation systems in this area.
- A bike path along much of the Hook encourages bike riding, in-line skating, and walking.
See
See Gunnison Beach
One of the largest nude beaches in America. Gunnison Beach in New Jersey is the easiest beach to get to by public transport from Manhattan. The ferry ride takes about an hour.
See Twin Lights Historic Site
The twin lights were built in 1828 as the primary seacoast light for NY harbor. Today, the towers have been transformed into a museum for the public to view. You can tour the towers, climb the North tower for a view of the Atlantic Ocean, or visit the exhibit gallery.
See Sandy Hook Lighthouse
Located about 1½ statute miles (2.4 km) inland from the tip of Sandy Hook, New Jersey, is the oldest working lighthouse in the United States.
Do
Sun bathing, ocean bathing, surfing, fishing, and other beach activities are popular in season. The bay side is a popular Windsurfing venue, along with some kite-surfing and kayaking. Bike riding is popular on the bike path, and roadways.
Buy
Don't bother traveling to sandy hook to shop, there is almost nothing for sale there. A few beach items such as sun screen are available in season.
Eat
Eat Bahr’s Landing
Bahr's Landing is a family-owned restaurant established in 1917. It has long been known for its great seafood, and views of Sandy Hook.
Sleep
Stay safe
Only swim when a lifeguard is present. You must keep all children within a safe distance from you, and you should learn how to deal with rip tides. If you can't swim, do not go into the water. Keep an eye out for any large waves that wash further up the shore. Do not turn your back on the ocean!
Go next
Towns
- Navesink Beach
- Normandie
- Sea Bright
- Low Moor
- Gallilee (New Jersey)
Nearby
Gateway National Recreation Area
Park · 16 listings · 0 mi away
Middletown
City / town · 19 listings · 5 mi away
Fair Haven
City / town · 3 listings · 7 mi away
Keansburg
City / town · 24 listings · 7 mi away
Red Bank
City / town · 35 listings · 8 mi away
Shrewsbury
City / town · 3 listings · 9 mi away
Long Branch
City / town · 3 listings · 10 mi away
Holmdel
City / town · 1 listings · 11 mi away
My experience
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